Flash flooding prompts several vehicle rescues in Rockford

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Bystanders have rescued a 70-year-old man from his submerged car after flash flooding swamped a northern Illinois city.

The Monday evening storm dumped 3-5 inches (8-13 centimetres) of rain on Rockford in under four hours. Resulting floods submerged roads under feet of water. Authorities haven’t reported any injuries.

The Rockford Register Star reports that people who saw a car being swept into a guardrail then broke out its windows to rescue the 70-year-old driver.

Mark Pickett says he used straps from his truck to help the man to safety.

The Rockford Fire Department rescued people from about 15 vehicles.

Parts of a Mercyhealth Hospital campus in Rockford were flooded, but officials said no patient-occupied areas were affected.

Torrential weekend rain caused flooding leading to disaster declarations in Wisconsin and Michigan.